WTO members have made progress in the Sixth Review of the Operation and Implementation of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). The discussions took place during a meeting of the SPS Committee from March 20 to 22, 2024. Members also addressed numerous trade concerns at this gathering.
The review process occurs every four years, allowing WTO members to evaluate their implementation of the SPS Agreement. During an SPS Committee meeting in November 2023, members discussed and adopted the proposed process for this Sixth Review. Topics covered included modern challenges, regionalization, technology, transparency, and follow-up to the MC12 SPS Declaration work program.
Members noted "the Declaration adopted at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi" concerning special and differential treatment (S&DT) provisions under both the SPS Agreement and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement. The need for collaboration with relevant committees was emphasized to operationalize these provisions effectively.
Technical assistance and S&DT are integral components of this review work. Members called for increased participation from developing economies and least developed countries as primary beneficiaries.
Regarding modern SPS challenges addressed in the MC12 Work Programme, consensus remains elusive despite a finalized draft report prepared for MC13. Members emphasized that "the text of the report... should not be subject to reopening."
A total of 49 specific trade concerns were discussed during this session; four were raised for the first time. These new concerns involved certificates of conformity for processed food products, market access publication delays, and authorization delays for certain enterprises and products.
Ongoing issues such as pesticide residues, contaminants, endocrine disruptors, veterinary medicinal products, animal diseases like Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), African Swine Fever (ASF), Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), import restrictions due to BSE reports being resolved—highlighted ongoing efforts toward compliance fostering smoother trade relations among member nations.
Updates on activities related specifically within Ukraine regarding Japanese food product imports following Fukushima's nuclear accident highlighted robust information exchange importance among WTO participants sharing insights into phytosanitary e-certificates utilized by Ecuador/Ukraine alike while informal discussions/workshops occurred alongside formal committee meetings focusing transparency/digital tools anticipated next session scheduled week June 24th continuing addressing evolving global trading landscape challenges ahead beyond mere formalities alone remaining vigilant ever-watchful amidst rapid-changing times we face today together united front shared goals aspirations moving forward steadfastly always seeking better tomorrow than yesterday before us anew brighter future beckons all await journey unfold therein lies hope optimism abound boundless possibilities still remain endless potential yet untapped vast open seas horizon stretch limitless beyond sight far yonder...